Joseph Kurt Bivens, MD

Dr. Bivens has been an excellent provider! I received a tummy tuck, MR, breast lift, lipo, and breast augmentation this past June. Dr. Bivens takes the time to listen to his patients concerns and is logical in many aspects of the healing process. Any question I had he was answered with reassurance and kindness which put me at ease. I highly recommend Dr. B and will go to him in the future.

I had an original BBL with Dr. Compoginis at Pacific Lipo, due to uneven liposuction incomplete lipo on my arms back and stomach I went back for revision along with mini tummy tuck to correct c-section scarring and correct asymmetry to old tummy tuck scar caused by pregnancy ended up getting Round 2 BBL with Dr. Bivens, and my mini tt with him and corrective lipo...

He did an excellent job to say the least, and very well priced! Awesome bedside manner, but I'd likely go directly to his practice for any additional work.

Wow! What an amazing experience with Dr.Bivens. After so many zoom meetings in 2020 I was very concerned with my neck. I went to Dr. Bivens after doing extensive research on all the plastic surgeons in my area. I was even willing to fly outside my area to get the right surgeon. I am so happy with my results. His staff were amazing too. Everything went smoothly. I would recommend Dr. Bivens to anybody who is interested in this type of procedure.

I had my first ever surgery with him when I was 19 years old. I’ve had them in for 4 years and it was a pleasant Journey. He gave me exactly what I wanted. I wanted them very large but still natural looking. No one ever believes they are fake because they look and feel so natural.

Im writing this review because I hope it helps someone out there. I would literally stalk RS looking for reviews to see what other girls went they getting this procedure. It took me 2 yr to finally go thru with the procedure cause it was so hard to find the right doctor. I went to a couple consultations and finally decided with Dr Bivens. He’s such a great doctor and very informative. He clears any doubts or fears you have and he’s trust worthy due to the years of experience he has :) I’m loving my shape so far...can’t wait to see the final result !!

consuItation:
went into the office and told my doctor i wanted to be a D cup from my flat chested A cup. He suggested 600cc but it thought that would have been too big. So i went with 500cc on my left and 550 on my right.
Pre-op:
Signed forms, walked into take pregnancy test then my doctor marked me before taking me into the OR.
the anesthesiologist was very professional. The staff was very awesome. they first gave me "tequila" thru iv to calm my nerves, i low-key felt really high and good lol. then i was out.

Post op-
I woke up with boobs!!! ;DDDD
i was so so cold from the anesthesia so i had to take deep breathes.
the car ride home was painful when the road was bumpy

once i got home i threw up 3 times
i took my Oxy ATBand antiemetic(didn't work)

i couldn't do much with my upper body
taking 2 Roxy def helps a lot more
i was so tired i was in n out of sleep
i woke up every 2 hours so i didn't get much sleep


day 2-
i slept 45 degree upright and waking up was painful to get up then i took2 oxy and i was doing ok
i could walk way easier.

Updated on 26 Jun 2015:
I had to completely stop taking my painkillers and actually used a laxative to go number 2 :o on day 4 i drove to school and it was a bit uncomfortable to turn but if done slowly it was aye okay!

sitting in the classroom with a tight feeling chest wasn't what i wanted but i couldn't miss this class. I went to the bathroom 7 times that day when i put the laxative suppository. I've been eating mainly veggies and pork and chicken. No seafood! (since i do keloid, i think it's an asian thing)

I have been taking 2 oxy to sleep at night because i am still sleeping 45 degree angle sitting up on my bed with pillows. My one week appointment is tomorrow :)

Looking at myself in the mirror naked has been really freaky. I don't like the way it looks right now but it's ok, patience is key. I got sports bras from walmart (a pack that comes with 3 different colors) My friend tanja helped me get them because she says its most comfy :D i was wearing the 34 but it was a little too tight so i switched to 36 and it's a lot less tight on my chest.

Im still taking antibiotics 3x daily. No drinking or smoking. yay.
the pain and discomfort seems to be getting better and better by the day. I didn't need to take painkillers on the 3rd day but i still wanted to since i had them laying there, i mean, why not ;p
But since the constipation , i have been cutting back to just taking it to sleep.

The burning and shooting sensation still happens when i lay a certain position or move my arm a certain way. It's probably my muscles being stretched and nerves reconnecting but i will ask about this tomorrow and update this after i talk to my doc!

The whole process was simple and I'm so happy with the results!! Befor I felt like I had small flat boobs after I had my kids, now I feel full and just like the normal me!! This is the me that should have been!!
The process was simple went in they answered all my questions and the day of surgery easy and not too soar

Consultation went well today! So excited and happy with Dr. Bivens! He was so sure of what I need done and made me feel very comfortable!! I was able to get an appt. as soon as Saturday!! ???????????????? and Lee his Assistant was very nice and helpful and also had her BA done by Dr. Bivens and they looked awesome! I paid half today and will be the other half the day of Surgery! I went with 400cc under the muscle and I wanted the incision under the breast but he recommends throught the Arreola So I'm doing it through the Arreola because less chance of bottoming out. And the Arreola heals with minimal scar! Has anyone done the same procedure and size as me? Any advice for before and after surgery or regrets? Thank you

Updated on 23 Mar 2014:
Day after my consultation and I'm starting to second guess the size that my PS chose! I feel it might be to big for me!! Does 400CC seem too much if I'm 5'3 about 110-115lbs? I originally wanted a full C but I'm sure this 400 CC will take me to a small D! But then again since it's under the muscle will I be loosing some of the size?? I'm so confused!!! I want a natural look and don't know if I should Lower the CC's !?!? Any advice!?

Updated on 23 Mar 2014:
I'm really hoping mine turn out a bit like these! My Wish Boobs

Updated on 24 Mar 2014:
I'm so filled with excitement and thankful I came across this website! So many helpful ladies that are kind enough to share their experiences! It really is a huge support! My mind won't stop going and all I keep thinking and dreaming about are my new boobs I really can't wait! I have added some before pictures of me and honestly I will not miss my flat chest!! I'm ready for change!

Updated on 25 Mar 2014:
So I've decided to stick with what the doc thinks! I'm just overthinking this whole procedure! Something that worries me is the whole rippling thing because I have such little breast tissue! Anyone experience any rippling with saline? I'm going under the muscle so I hope it hides the implant well.! Also I have attached more pics in my swimsuit and sports bra I bought for after surgery! Is it required to rear one if those special compression bras after surgery? Because they told me no at the docs office just a sports bra is fine besides the post op bandages! Thanks every for your support!

Updated on 29 Mar 2014:
The surgery was about an hour 410cc on one and 400 cc on the other!i was laying there anesthesiologist poked my hand and I was talking I guess I fell alsleep right away cuz all I remember was waking up in the recovery room and wasn't in pain just felt pressure on my chest! I'm having pretty bad back pain from laying down! Is that normal? How can u relieve that pain!? The pain in my chest is easily relieved with frozen veggies! Hoping this oain level gets lower! I have to wait 2 days to unwrap and put on sports bra. Here are some pics

Updated on 31 Mar 2014:
So today is 2nd day after surgery and I'm still in pain I regret not moving my arms right after surgery! Now I'm having a hard time getting around! My neck and shoulders are sore as well as my back! I thought I would be able to tolerate this pain but I was wrong! I heard the 2nd day post op is the worst and I hope that's true because I return to work tomorrow! Luckily I work at a desk!
My mom has been very helpful by staying with my 2 little ones until tomorrow and my hubby and mother in law gave been tending to all my needs :) I have attached some pics of today when I removed bandages excuse all the markings and wrinkles from the ace wrap

Updated on 1 Apr 2014:
So I went back to work today and had to drive myself there! It was really difficult to turn the steering wheel at times and getting in and out of the car was very uncomfortable ???? at work the little bit of walking I had to do made my boobs get really hard and sore (I could describe it like Braxtonhicks but on my boobs) also my back wouldn't stop aching and I don't know if it's the strap I have to wear or if it's the extra weight of my boobs :(
I wish my PS would have prescribed me muscle relaxers!
I just loosened my strap and I'm hoping the Vicodin kicks in soon! Did anyone have back pain for longer than 3 days?? Help!?

Updated on 2 Apr 2014:
So today was better! Sleeping is still not comfy and work was easier until about mid day! I still have no feeling in my boobs/nipples! They do get real tight and I feel a little burnin sensation at times but I guess that's normal! My tummy is still bloated and I see more bruising today on my boobs! I'm very happy with the size glad I didn't go any smaller!!

Updated on 3 Apr 2014:
How do you get the pen markings off!? I'm still happy! In pain here and there but it's getting better! I have my PO visit on Saturday can't wait because I've been wearing this wrap day and night and I'm so sick and tired of it! It's uncomfortable and hard to find clothes for work that covers the strap! More pics..they are still bruised and funny looking but I'm being patient...

Updated on 5 Apr 2014:
This morning was my 1 week post op visit with Dr.Bivens. He said they are coming along nicely! I still have to wear this bra and strap for one more week day and night! But after that I can wear any bra as long as there are no wires! He showed me a couple if stretches I have to do in order to regain full mobility again! Also I have to start massaging in one week! Still have some bruising hope it goes away soon! He said to wait 4 weeks for the steri strips to fall off and if they don't I can remove them. My next appt is in 1 month. It is very true what they say I wouldn't of minded going a little bit bigger lol!
But I'm just happy I finally have boobs! I still get morning soreness and my back hurts here and there but I'm sure everyday will get easier! I can't carry my 2 yr old so I have him climb on by back to get out of the crib lol
Here are some pics..

Updated on 6 Apr 2014:
Feeling less pain everyday!

Updated on 8 Apr 2014:
Today has been the best day so far when it comes to pain! The strap I have to wear is what's been causing the pain! It's so uncomfortable and hurts my back!! I take it of for a couple hours but then put it back on before bed! At least it's just for 4 more days!! I see the progress I have made from day 1 to now! I definitely wasn't one of those lucky girls that look perfect from day one! But I'm happy they are getting softer and dropping everyday! Good luck to all who are getting theirs done or recovering! It's tougher than I imagined...

Updated on 11 Apr 2014:
I know my PS told me to wear the strap day and night but I just can't it's too uncomfortable and causes a shooting pain in my breast! So I'm only wearing it to sleep! Starting tomorrow I can start massaging them! I'm pretty happy with how they are healing and looking but still thinking they are small! I guess I'm just being greedy! I used to wear a double padded bra so no one has really noticed I got anything done because they have no idea how flat chested I was! My husband is happy with the results! Let's see what size I end up measuring at!
Took these pics today..

Updated on 13 Apr 2014:
Here are some pics from yesterday! I can finally sleep flat on my back but wake up with pain like morning boob! I went to JCpenny and got sized. I'm border line full 34C /34D I bought a wire free 34C because I got more cleavage with that one!! I will add pics later! So far I'm happy my family sais they like how my noobs aren't too big and are more on the natural side! I just want them to D&F so I can see my final result :)
I started massaging and I'm afraid to be to rough I don't want to rupture!!

Updated on 14 Apr 2014:
I'm really enjoying how big my boobs look in tank tops!! They are still sensitive to temperature changes like I feel them tingle! I'm massaging them just hope I'm doing it right! Loving my new wireless bra too!

Updated on 15 Apr 2014:


Updated on 16 Apr 2014:
I've had this for a while and just tried it on and I'm loving my new assets in it!!!

Updated on 22 Apr 2014:


Updated on 22 Apr 2014:


Updated on 25 Apr 2014:
I took the steri strips if yesterday and the scabs came off with them... I was scared to see the result of my scars but I'm happy!

Updated on 10 May 2014:
Still loving my new best friends! I just wanna shop for low cut shirts all the time!

Updated on 21 May 2014:
Left is still riding a little high but I can't really tell! The scars are very minimal too! Still happy!

Updated on 30 May 2014:
Love my new Bra!! It was really hard to find size34D but when I did I was soo happy!!!

Updated on 10 Jul 2014:
Still loving my new look! Time has gone by so fast and I can barely remember being with me new boobs! It has given me so much more confidence and I just love them :) no complaints as of yet!

Was very insecure about my large, African breasts at the time. I had lost a lot of weight from a size 14, down to a size 4. I was wearing a 38DDD with purple bruises on my shoulders from the poor straps buckling when I wore my bras. I slept with a bra on due to the weight. I hated taking my bra off due to the actual aerial sizing of my nipple area. I was mortified of my breasts and did not feel sexy in any way. Dr. Bivens took great care of me and did his fancy handiwork on my areole area and made them smaller, and I actually gained more feeling in my breasts due to the nerve endings healing and being closer together. I was amazed. I was a brand new woman.
I must mention that Dr. Bivens even did a scarring revision even after I healed up and noticed a bit of tissue building up where my scars were from the surgery healing. I remember the itching, and I went in on a simple in and out procedure with very little anesthesia for him to take out the mass of tissue scarring and I remember being on my way in a matter of moments. That procedure I was awake for, and it was easier to stomach that I thought.
Dr. Bivens was extremely gentle with me and I would do it ALL OVER AGAIN IF I had to. It ass wither the money, time, effort and investment in my self-esteem when I had it done!
Thanks Dr. Bivens
I am so glad I found you.
I have searched all over for you, and you are still here, making the magic happen.

After months of researching plastic surgeons all around Southern California, I finally decided on Dr. Bivens at Pacific Lipo San Diego! I scheduled my Liposuction procedure 2 weeks out, and had my surgery yesterday. I'm writing this because I hope it helps someone like me make the right, informed decision!
I had liposuction to the full abdomen, flanks, love handles, and posterior bra roll. The total cost of the procedure was $5990, NOT including an extra $150 for lab work/Covid test, plus an extra $46 for 3 prescriptions after surgery.
Surgery day was very smooth, although they were running behind from the previous procedure so I didn't get my procedure started until ~2 hours after check in. During check in, I met with Dr. Bivens to be marked up, had photos taken, met with the anesthesiologist and the nurse. I had an IV started, was given some medicine to help calm my nerves and patiently waited until being brought into the operating room. Once on the table, I was put to sleep instantaneously.
It's currently the day after and I'm VERY sore, hence being up at 5A to write this :) I plan to update throughout my journey.

Updated on 21 Dec 2020:
The pain the day after surgery was BAD! I expected to feel sore, as in, really hard workout sore. But this was a whole new level of sore! I can not sit up or sit down without help, let alone do anything else like lay down or even bend over to pet my animals. I have incisions in the middle of my upper back and top of my booty crack which are VERY SENSITIVE and make resting in any position hard. I’ve been sleeping on my stomach, which hurts much less.

As of this morning on day two, I’m feeling better and am able to move a bit more than yesterday. I’m really looking forward to tomorrow, day three, as I can finally shower.

I haven’t taken my garment off yet, but am already LOVING the shape of my body. I was most self conscious about my love handles, and without them, can see that I will have a more curvaceous figure. With all of the swelling I’m currently feeling, I hope my results only become more pronounced with time.

Updated on 23 Dec 2020:
Feeling a ton better than the first two days post surgery! Still pretty sore - it hurts a bit to walk and sit up/down. Having some light bruising, but happy with the shape my body is taking albeit still feeling very swollen.

Updated on 18 Jul 2021:
7 months later and I have to say my lipo results are very conservative compared to what I was hoping for. To me, this surgery was not worth it because the greatest insecurity I expressed to the Dr. (my side love handles) either were not touched during the surgery or did not have enough fat taken out. I’ve maintained the same weight as pre-surgery with strength training and running 5 days/week.

Ultimately, I am going to pursue either further liposuction or a BBL with a local plastic surgeon for around $10k with more drastic results.

Updated on 18 Jul 2021:
After pics to go along with my review

Updated on 18 Jul 2021:
My biggest insecurity, the love handles visible from my front/back, are still there. I was hoping these would be gone and I would have achieved a more desirable hourglass shape. Going to address these with a different surgeon.